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Supplier Audits Independent Quality and Compliance Assessment

A robust supply chain is built on quality, reliability, and trust. Independent supplier audits conducted by Kiwa enable organizations to confirm that their suppliers and partners adhere to established standards, ensuring ongoing quality, compliance, and performance. These audits deliver objective assessments of how suppliers manage their operations, risks, and obligations, supporting organizations in maintaining a supply chain that aligns with their standards for excellence and dependability.

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What is a Supplier Audit?

A supplier audit is an independent assessment of a supplier’s or an organization’s management system, processes, and practices to verify compliance with contractual, regulatory, or industry standards. Kiwa’s qualified auditors can conduct:

  • Supplier audits: Assessing whether external partners or vendors fulfill your quality, environmental, and safety requirements.
  • Internal audits (contracted): Providing organizations with an objective evaluation of their internal management systems by an independent specialist.

Audits can be tailored to your needs and may be performed:

  • According to international standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001. 
  • Using a combination of recognized standards and client-specific checklists, integrating global requirements with your organization’s priorities. 
  • Based on your own internal criteria or supplier code of conduct, ensuring alignment with your unique expectations.

 

Why Choose Kiwa?

Organizations can strengthen trust and resilience by implementing effective quality and compliance processes. Kiwa’s auditors bring a combination of technical expertise and practical, solutions-focused methods, delivering insights that support improvement beyond basic compliance. Whether a single supplier assessment or a comprehensive audit program is required, Kiwa provides tailored, professional services designed to enhance performance and reinforce confidence throughout the supply chain.

The certification process with Kiwa

    Define Objectives and Scope

    Work collaboratively to identify the relevant standards or criteria for the audit, such as ISO frameworks, internal checklists, or specific customer requirements.

    Conduct the Audit

    Experienced auditors carry out a systematic evaluation of documentation, processes, and operational practices, either on-site or remotely.

    Receive Findings and Recommendations

    A comprehensive report is provided, detailing compliance status, key observations, and areas for improvement.
    If required, support is offered for supplier development or follow-up audits to confirm that improvements have been implemented.

Benefits of the Service

Independent assurance

Gain an impartial view of your supply chain’s strengths and improvement areas.

Consistent global standards

Assess suppliers against recognised frameworks such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or IATF 16949.

Risk reduction

Identify nonconformities early and avoid costly supply chain disruptions.

Continuous improvement

Use audit outcomes to guide supplier development and long-term collaboration.

Trusted partnership

Leverage Kiwa’s reputation as an independent testing, inspection, and certification body.

Why Supplier Audits matter

Strong supplier performance is critical for quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Independent audits help you:

  • Confirm that suppliers meet legal, environmental, and ethical requirements.

 

  • Identify potential risks in your supply chain.

 

  • Ensure consistent quality of materials, products, and services.

 

  • Strengthen long-term supplier relationships through transparency and trust.

 

  • Demonstrate due diligence to customers, regulators, and stakeholders.

What you need to know

Supplier audits are especially valuable for organisations seeking to reduce risk, improve supplier performance, and ensure regulatory compliance. NQA offers audits in three formats:

  • To international standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001.

 

  • Against customer-supplied checklists to meet specific operational or contractual requirements.

 

  • To internal standards for bespoke quality or performance criteria.

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